The transcontinental railroads formed the most ambitious and rather complex federal infrastructure project of the nineteenth century.  At one extreme, the construction of the Pacific Railway was absolutely a triumph. On the other hand, its operation, and the operation of the other transcontinentals, was (to put it bluntly) a train wreck. The thesis of this unique presentation is simple, though it’s not the usual textbook account: the U.S. built too many railroads, we built them too soon, we financed them recklessly, and we allowed them to inflict grave environmental, social, political, and economic damage.  All of this was bad enough, and recognized by many at the time, but there’s more. In our own time, Americans have forgotten much of what nineteenth-century Americans came to know.  We have celebrated the over-construction that we should be lamenting, and we have often brought the transcontinentals forward as reason to pursue equally dubious current projects.  Provided by the CAST Senior Center, our Documentary Programs provide an endless variety of interesting subjects in a prerecorded, professional film format. They take us across the country and around the world, experiencing and learning about places and people which we wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Our documentaries are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. They offer a unique and powerful form of storytelling that captures your attention and provoke thought and discussion. Scheduled every Tuesday afternoon, unless noted, at 1pm at the CAST Senior Center, our Documentary Programs are free and open to the public. There are no membership dues and everyone is welcome to attend. Programming is provided by Curiosity U and other online providers. Check out our documentary program schedule every month and join us. We look forward to seeing you!